Beirut Traders Association and Bankmed released the results of “Beirut Traders Association – Bankmed Investment Index,” for the third quarter of 2016. The index, which is backed by the technical support of the Central Administration of Statistics in Lebanon, aims at assessing the reality of the wholesale sector in Lebanon. The index reflects the investment climate in Lebanon, shedding light on the commercial activity and overall economic situation, particularly the phase that preceded the presidential elections in Lebanon. The results for the third quarter of 2016 indicate a continued deterioration in the “Turnover Component.” Similarly, the “Intention to Invest Component” was also characterized by some relative negativity in light of the decline witnessed in most wholesale sectors. The “Turnover Component,” which tackles the activity during the quarter under study, recorded a real decline of 1.3% (excluding the Wholesale Sector of Liquid Fuel) in comparison with the third quarter of 2015. This drop is largely attributed to the continued reduction in the volume of orders placed by retail merchants during this period. According to the published results, the Wholesale Sector of Household Electrical Equipment, the Wholesale Sector of Importers and Agents of Pharmaceuticals, and the Wholesale of Pastry, Chocolate, Sweets, Jam and Kernels witnessed some improvement in their wholesale activity. On the other hand, the Wholesale Sector of Phones and Communication Equipment continued to witness a notable decline in its wholesale activity alongside the Wholesale Sector of Electrical & Electronics, Parts and Equipment and the Wholesale Sector of Clothes, which also experienced a significant slump in their wholesale activity. With respect to the “Intention to Invest Component,” the computed results reveal that some sectors have revealed an intention to decrease their investments given the unfitting conditions that had been prevalent during this quarter. The “BTA – Bankmed Investment Index” has become an important indicator of the activity in the commercial sector as it assists the caretakers in making educated decisions in their future investments. Download (Q3-2016) Index in English and Arabic language.

Download File